POETRY: I Refuse

by Anthony Miranda

Deprived of family and friends

Confined by iron stone walls

They feed me fear, anger, darkness, and hate.

So now I live without tears.

Who understands me when I say I refuse to give into darkness?

I refuse to give up because of the pain they have inflicted on me.

I refuse to let the anger control me.

I refuse to act on the hatred they forced upon my heart.

And I refuse to let these iron stone walls consume my soul.

Sincerely, "Human"

Editor's note: Detained for over 3 years at Northwest Detention Center, I recently learned the sad news that Anthony has been deported.

Cover art by Anthony Miranda